Picked up 2 HydroFarm Daystar AC reflectors. Need Advice on Setting Up with a 250w

[InjectTruth]

A friend just got two hydrofarm Daystar AC reflectors, and wants to hook them up with 250w HPS bulbs.

I know he needs the bulb, ballast, socket, and cord. However, I was looking into assembling our own, instead of spending hundreds on a premade system. I found a ballast kit, http://www.e-conolight.com/Product/EProductDetail.asp?ProductFamilyID=14&FGNumber=E-BLH25Q , but Im not sure how to set it up, and what to use as a housing.

Also, I dont see why it would be an issue, considering they all use a mogul socket, but the reflector box says "works with 400, 600, and 1000w". Will there be a discrepancy with a 250w system?

Thanks in advance. This help is much appreciated.

 

[pontiac]

No there wont be a problem with putting a 250w in there, its just that the reflectors were made bigger for 400w bulbs and up.

Im pretty good at wiring raw ballasts up into remote ballasts. So if you have any questions feel free to ask me or anyone else here in IC.

Here are pics of a 400w HPS security light that i converted into a remote ballast switchable grow light:

 

[pontiac]

Its simple, the wiring diagram should be on the side of the transformer. If you have trouble wiring, then post up the diagram here by taking a pic or redrawing it with MS paint.

For a ballast box, i used a junction box (or pull box). They can be found at homedepots electrical section. The dimensions of my box are 8" x 8" x 4". The ballast fits in perfectly, it also has punch out holes for cable clamps. You can also use metal project boxes, ammo cans (cheap on ebay), or make one by bending sheet metal. Make sure you drill vent holes everywhere for maximum ventilation.

You can also buy ballast boxes retail from here: www.megasheetmetal.com

 

[InjectTruth]

Thanks a TON, Pontiac. I haven't yet purchased my ballast kits, so no diagram yet.

I didnt know all the pieces would fit in a junction box, considering how big my store bought ballast boxes are. Thats good to know.

Did you check the link to the kit i plan on buying? Im pretty sure, but thats what I need right? Plus a socket and cord obviously, but as far as the ballast thats all I need right?

 

[Bonzo]

The Daystar's are pretty nice hoods, no camplaints here. These 2 are loaded with 1ks. you shouldnt have too moch of a problem puttin 250's in em. Ill tell ya though if i had waited a month or so i would have got tnr new Sun Systems. its heavier gauge steel and i really like how the cord pops right outa the yop of the hood and the glass tighter as well, in my opimion the Sun Systems is just a better thought out and higher quality hood hands down. If you can i would exchange them for the Sun System.

If thats not possible dont sweat it the Daystars are fine, ive had my DS's for about a year or so with no probs and grown some killer buds with' em.

good luck and keep us posted!

peace

bONZ

Sun System 2:http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HLRESS2&eq=&Tp=

 

[pontiac]

e-conolights make decent ballasts, but im not sure about how efficient they are. A 250 transformer is a little smaller than a 400w, so it should definatley fit in a junction box.

Yes thats all you basically need to get started, but i reccomend you get item# E-HR3H25QZ, it is a complete security light. They usually come pre-wired with the lamp socket, and ballast (also includes a bulb). It will save you time and effort.

Unfortunatly for me the security light that i bought (ebay) didnt come prewired so i had to wire it myself. But if i can remember from OG, econolight security lights comes prewired. All you have to do is unmount all the parts.

If you still want to get the raw ballast kit and wire it yourself, just PM me the diagram or post it up here, and i'll help you out.

 

[pontiac]

O btw, make sure the cord is between 12(thicker) gauge and 16(thinner) guage, and rated for ATLEAST 75 degrees celcius (90+ is highly reccomended). The ballast will get EXTEMELY hot, and can melt low temp insulation.

Also dont forget to drill holes and remove all the punchouts from the junction box for ventilation. Infact, you should just leave out the cover.